The Executive Finds Love

Trigger Warning: Harassment And Assault

The morning was as decrepit as the cold coffee on my desk. The frigid brown drink would have usually been gone by now, but I never had a second to take a sip due to the piling paperwork on my desk and the never-ending calls and emails. As I scrolled through my inbox, one particular email caught my eye. It was from one of the artists my annoying boss was trying to work a deal with.

I found it odd to get an email directly from any artist since I’m just an executive assistant at Colombia Records for one of the Marketing Executives, Henry Davidson. I started as an intern when I was 19 while I was in college. After I graduated at 21 and was looking for full-time work within the company, I was hired on the spot by his previous assistant. I was excited until I figured out within the first week why I got the job so easily.

I should have known it was too good to be true.

Henry Davidson is the worst boss, and he must have at least 20 personalities. One moment, he’s sane, thoughtful, and nice, and then the next moment he’s mean, demanding, manipulative, and a creep. One time, he tried to sexually harass me, but I wasn’t having that. A strategic accidental knee to his balls seemed to have made it clear that I wasn’t the one to try. He said crazy things to me all the time, but he never put his hands on me. Despite his antics, I endured because I knew this job would one day lead me to my goal. I want to be a senior music executive one day and find great talent. Maybe this email would be my ticket out of here.

I reread the email from Profit, a very popular and successful rapper, and thought about our first encounter. Earlier that week, he met with my boss. As usual, Henry asked me to wear something tight, low cut, and flirt with any potential client. I often wondered if Henry hired me because of my looks or just plain old desperation. My coworkers mentioned that I worked for him the longest, almost three years.

Though I never liked to hit on random men, I would flirt just enough to distract them from focusing on what was really going on. I didn’t feel right about doing it, but it came with the job. Profit or Avery Rowland was not the typical ignorant artist that could be played. He seemed to know the ins and outs of the business. After their meeting, he asked me questions about the deal and the contract. He seemed like a nice person. He didn’t treat me like I was the help like most artists and managers did. Besides, I didn’t like the way the industry was set up. Most artists never got deals that worked in their favor, so I decided to help him out by being honest and transparent with him.

As I stared at the computer screen, I recalled that brief conversation.

“Ms. Kent, right?” he asked.

“Yes. Did you need anything, Mr. Rowland?” I asked, glancing up at him.

“No. Well, yes. Davidson, is he legit? Is his deal worth it?”

“Well.” I looked around and made sure no one was in earshot and leaned in closer to him. “Can you keep this between us?”

“Of course.” He nodded.

“You will increase your revenue by 30% but 18% of that will go to Henry. If I was you, I would walk away.”

“Oh. Interesting.” He looked a bit shocked, and then he smiled. “You are really good at this.”

“I don’t know about that. I guess I’m good with numbers and the small details.” I smiled.

“Thank you for your honesty, Ms. Kent,” he said as he took a card from my desk.

I didn’t think much of that conversation until I read that email. Well, I read it at least five times. I had to make sure that I fully comprehended his offer. It was an opportunity to work with him and other artists. So, I thought of a short professional response to send and then I got back to work.

After a quick break to replace my coffee, I noticed that he responded. I didn’t expect a response. I eagerly opened the email, hopping this was my ticket out of here. I almost screamed and did a happy danced when I read it. Profit thanked me again and asked me to go to dinner with him tonight to further discuss his offer. I accepted, thankful for the chance to further my career. As much as I wanted this, a part of me was a bit skeptical. Maybe this wasn’t going to be my big break or he could be just like every other guy in the industry, full of false promises.

I knew I had to keep my guard up. Profit didn’t have the best reputation. There were always rumors and gossip about him being with a new singer, model, or actress every month. He’s very handsome, so I understood why women threw themselves at him. Though I found him attractive, he just wasn’t the type of guy I liked. He’s just too good looking with his bright hazel eyes, toned body, soft dark brown curls. Even if for one second I thought about him in that way, I refused to be sexually or romantically involved with anyone in the music and entertainment industry. I learned my lesson when it came to messing with Rappers, well one in particular.

As I thought about our interaction, Profit didn’t give me any vibes that he was attracted to me. I realized I was just projecting my past encounter on him just because of his career choice. So, I figured this meeting would be legit. After a long day at work, I got ready for this hopefully career-changing dinner.

We met at an upscale modern restaurant in Beverly Hills. He was on time and dressed for business. We greeted each other before we ordered. He was nice and professional. As we ate, he complimented me on my business savvy. Then we got straight to business.

“You seem like you know your stuff and you are honest. How about being my marketing exec for my new company?” he said.

This was it! Just what I needed to kick off my career.

“Thank you for the offer. Before I accept, I need to know all the aspects and details of the position and the portfolio of your company,” I said as I tried to conceal my excitement.

“Okay, that’s reasonable. I’ll have all that information ready for you.”

I agreed, and we finished our dinner. Honestly, I didn’t care what he was going to offer. I was going to take the job anyway. I was happy to finally get away from my psychotic boss.

The next day, I gave Henry my two weeks notice and the date of my last day or employment. He was more livid than usual. This man seriously needed some help, but he did teach me a lot about the entertainment business. As he was ranting, I tuned him out like I normally did.

“Blaire, are you even listening to me?”

“Of course,” I lied.

“Why?” He stormed back and forth behind his desk. “How could you leave me at a time like this!”

“Everything will work out, Mr. Davidson.”

He continued to go on about how much he needed me, and I began to zone out again. I didn’t show any emotion or concern because at this point I didn’t care what he said or did. I guess he noticed my indifference. Suddenly, his mood changed and he was calm and acting like a normal human being for once.

“Blaire, I’m sorry for my behavior. I thought you were happy here. You are the best assistant I ever had. I promise I’ll behave better. I can get you a raise. I’ll give you longer breaks. More vacation days. I’ll do anything you want. I’m at your mercy,” he pleaded on his knees like a dog begging for a treat.

“Henry, you know this isn’t the ideal workplace environment, but I appreciate all you have taught me here. I must move forward with my career. I already found you a replacement,” I said with a half-hearted smile.

He promised to not to flirt, offered more money, and more paid days off, but I still declined to work for him. Defeated, he finally gave up.

As the week went by, he didn’t keep his promise of not hitting on me anymore though. He said sexually suggestive comments about my breast and butt even though he knew I didn’t like it. He has a wife home, and I couldn’t understand why she married him and stayed this long. I guess money and opportunities; the same reason why I didn’t leave when I knew I should have.

Three days shy of my last day, he asked me to come to his office and to close the door behind me. He thanked me for my hard work over the past three years. He was quite touchy and that made me feel very uneasy. I moved away from him and tried to stay out of his reach.

“You know. You are going to be missed. I know I’m going to miss seeing your beautiful smile every morning,” he said.

“You’ll be just fine,” I said, trying not to roll my eyes.

“I won’t... but I guess I have to deal, right?”

“Yep.”

“You have to let me take you out to dinner to celebrate. Any place you want,” he offered.

There was no way I was going to be alone with him outside of work.

“I’m going to have to decline. But thanks, Mr. Davidson. That was very nice of you to offer,” I lied.

“I am very nice,” he said proudly.

“You have your moments. Well, is there anything you need me to do?”

“Yes. Yes, I do,” he said, rolling his chair a little closer to mine.

I gave him a fake smile as I waited for him to tell me what he wanted me to work on. He never said anything, he just looked at me for a few moments. Then he got really close to me and started rubbing on my stocking covered thighs out of nowhere. He must have lost his mind.

“Stop! And get your hands off of me! What the hell is wrong with you?!” I yelled as I pushed his hand off of me.

“Come on, Blaire. I know you want this more than I do,” he said as he tried to put his hand between my thighs.

“Hell no, you sick bastard!” I seethed as I pushed away from him.

He pulled me toward him, and I fought him off but he kept touching me. He was pulling at my skirt, and I knew he was going to try to sexually assault me. I wasn’t going to sit here and let it happen either. I picked up a paperweight from his desk and hit him across the face with it. I hit him so hard that blood gushed from his nose and mouth.

“You stupid bitch!” he roared.

He was enraged. He violently grabbed me and tore at my clothes before he punched me in my face. The blow knocked the wind out of me and the pain was excruciating. I was dazed, but I refused to give up. I kicked, punched, screamed to the top of my lungs, scratched, and threw things at him. I wasn’t going down without a fight. He continued to hit me, and I fought him off as best as I could.

Finally, another executive came in and stopped him. I hated that I didn’t know his name, but I was beyond grateful for his help. While he held Henry down, I ran out of the office. I grabbed my purse and ran to my car as fast as I could. I drove off and parked a couple of blocks away to process everything. That monster put his hands on me and tried to violate me, and it could have been much worse. I sat there in silence unable to feel anything. Nothing felt real. I closed my eyes and images of his hands on me made everything real. My mind was swirling, my breaths became more and more shallow until I broke down and cried.

My phone rang, drowning out my sobs. I check it and saw Profit’s name on my screen. This was the worst timing. I didn’t know what to do or say, but I knew I should answer. I took a few deep breaths and made myself calm down before I answered it.

“Hello,” I said softly.

“Hello, Ms. Kent. I know we were supposed to meet at 7 pm, but I have to get back to New York earlier than expected. I’m sorry to inconvenience you, but can we meet in about an hour instead?”

Crap! I forgot about our meeting today.

“Um... sure,” I said faintly.

“Okay. Great!... Are you okay? You don’t sound like yourself."

“I’m fine. It’s just allergies,” I said, lying through my teeth.

“Oh, sorry to hear that. I know how bad they can get.”

"Yeah. Well, I’ll see you in about half an hour.”

After I hung up, I looked at myself in the mirror of my sun visor. I looked terrible. I almost didn’t recognize myself. I had a bloody nose and my mouth was swollen. I looked down and noticed that my black stockings were ripped, and I had blood on my peach blouse. My hair was a mess and my makeup was smeared. I had to do something quickly to make myself look somewhat presentable.

I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity of getting this job. I couldn’t go back with Henry, and I had bills to pay. So, I went to H&M that was nearby and bought a new shirt. I went into the bathroom to change. Then I cleaned my face and combed my hair as quickly as I could. I touched up my makeup and headed to my meeting. Over and over again, I told myself to keep it together as I drove to the restaurant. I wasn't going to let what happen stop me from reaching my goals.

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Thank you for reading my third novel. I appreciate likes, comments, or reviews. I hope that you’ll enjoy it.